The Sydney Speaker Series at the Sydney Googleplex recently kicked off with John Connolly, coach of the Australian Wallabies.

With the Rugby World Cup starting this weekend, it was great timing to have the Wallabies coach speak with us. John took time off from his hectic schedule to speak to Australian Googlers on topics such as team work and strategy and how he intends to lead the Wallabies to victory in the World Cup in France.

As a player, John played hooker with the Brothers club in Brisbane for more than a decade as well as a stint in Darwin where he also began his coaching career at Casuarina, leading the Cougars to a premiership. Returning to Brisbane in 1983, he coached Brothers Reserve Grade for three seasons and two premierships and then was appointed as the Queensland coach from 1989 to 2000. In February 2006, with more than 15 years coaching experience, John took on the role as the Australian Wallabies coach.

John spoke about his personal philosophies and gave us some insight into his approach to coaching and life. There was a big turn out for the talk, no doubt due to the many rugby fans in the office who are excited about the World Cup.